San Felice a Cancello, Italy - August 28, 2024

A dramatic search operation is underway following a devastating landslide in the town of San Felice a Cancello, near Caserta, where a mother and her son have been reported missing since Tuesday night. The incident, which occurred amidst torrential rains, has left the community in shock and rescue teams working tirelessly through the night.

The missing pair, identified as a 74-year-old woman and her 42-year-old son, were last seen traveling in an Apecar, a small three-wheeled vehicle, when they were swept away by a mudslide in the Talanico area. The vehicle was later found empty at the bottom of a cliff, suggesting the force of the landslide may have ejected them from the vehicle.

Rescue efforts have been intensified with ten teams from the Vigili del Fuoco (Fire Brigade) deployed, utilizing heavy machinery like excavators, drones for aerial surveillance, and experts in topographical rescue to navigate the treacherous terrain. Despite the adverse conditions, the search continues with hopes of finding the missing individuals alive, though local authorities have expressed concerns over their survival given the circumstances.

The mayor of San Felice a Cancello has described the situation as dire, with the community rallying around the families of the missing, offering support and prayers for their safe return. The landslide, part of a broader weather event affecting the Caserta and Avellino provinces, has also caused significant damage to infrastructure and homes, leading to evacuations in several areas.